Chargers throw their way to halftime lead

The Chargers have made a habit of blowing leads in the second halves of games this season.

They’ve got another chance to show they can actually protect one. They lead the Bengals 13-10 at halftime in San Diego after a Nick Novak field goal as time expired in the second quarter.

Philip Rivers turned in an excellent half, hitting on his first 10 passes and completing 16-0f-23 for 189 yards overall. He’s also shown a better knack for throwing balls away instead of forcing things that have turned into turnovers earlier this season. The Chargers have relied heavily on Rivers, they’ve run just four times, and it is paying off for them thus far.

Andy Dalton has had some good moments, but the Chargers scored their only touchdown on an interception return by Demorrio Williams. Dalton also missed A.J. Green in the end zone in the second quarter when the Bengals wound up settling for a field goal. With BenJarvus Green-Ellis running well (77 yards on 11 carries) and the defense keeping the Chargers out of the end zone, the quarterback needs to do a little bit more to get his team a win they need to improve their shot at a playoff berth.